Dominican Navy - History

History

After the Dominican Republic gained its independence from Haiti on February 27, 1844, there was a need to create a Naval fleet. Three schooners were commissioned for this, the "Separación Dominicana" (flagship), the "María Chica" and the "Leonor". These were the original three Dominican vessels which were incorporated in the newly created Dominican as authorized by the Junta Central Gubernativa with the Naval Act of 1844 on April 23, 1844, the same day the Navy was created. Even though, the three schooners had been in action since April 15 at the Battle of Tortuguero, where they were led by Adm. Juan Bautista Cambiaso and sank 6 Haitian ships.

During the Dominican Civil War, a part of the Navy opposed the "Return to the Legitime Government" which was victim of a Coup d'état on September 1963 and used the frigate F-451 "Mella" to bombard the National Palace with the help of the Air Force.

On the other side of the conflict, The Elite Navy Force "Hombres Ranas" (Frog Men) under Commander Ramon Montes Arache, fought to bring the 1962 Democratically Elected President back in office. The other navy commanders were afraid of "Hombres Ranas" taking control over "Las Calderas" Naval Base. See United States occupation of the Dominican Republic (1965–1966)

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